Record Rainfall in LA: Wettest February in History

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In a month characterized by relentless downpours, Los Angeles finds itself submerged in one of the wettest Februarys ever recorded. With rainfall totaling a staggering 12.56 inches in downtown Los Angeles alone, the city is grappling with the consequences of this deluge. According to reports from the National Weather Service (NWS), this month's rainfall has already surpassed the average seasonal rainfall for downtown LA by 88%.

The latest storm system, which swept through the region, added nearly 2 inches of rainfall to the already soaked city, solidifying February 2024 as the fourth wettest February in downtown Los Angeles since records began in 1877. The last time the city experienced such a wet February was 26 years ago in 1998, with a record-setting 13.68 inches of rain.

This month's precipitation ties with January 1995 as the seventh wettest month ever recorded in downtown Los Angeles. However, December 1889 still holds the title for the wettest month on record, with a staggering 15.80 inches of rainfall. Remarkably, February 2024 marks only the tenth month in downtown Los Angeles history to record a foot or more of rain.

The impact of this exceptional rainfall extends beyond downtown Los Angeles. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) experienced its third wettest February and fifth wettest month overall since records began in 1944. Similarly, Long Beach Airport and Hollywood Burbank Airport reported their second and sixth wettest Februarys on record, respectively.

What's even more remarkable is that the rainfall for the entire water year, from October 1 to September 30, stands at 17.79 inches, a significant 8 inches above the normal recorded to date. This indicates that the region has already exceeded the expected rainfall for the year by more than 3.5 inches.

As the city braces for more precipitation, the question remains: What lies ahead? ABC7's meteorologist Leslie Lopez provides insights into the next storm system expected to hit Southern California, offering valuable information on when residents can anticipate further rainfall.

In conclusion, February 2024 will go down in history as one of the wettest months ever recorded in Los Angeles. As the city navigates the challenges posed by this exceptional rainfall, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of extreme weather events.